The Thistle Archive

Media report

David Forrest, 16-May-2025, ptfc.co.uk

Partick Thistle’s season came to an end with a 2-0 loss at Livingston in the Premiership Play Off Semi Final Second Leg. The Jags came into the game at the Home of the Set Fare Arena with a tough task, having lost the first leg at home by the same score-line. Ben Stanway returned to the starting XI in place of Lee Ashcroft, as Thistle switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Stuart Bannigan rolled back the years, being deployed at left back for the first time since our title-winning 2012/13 season. Jamie Low was rested after two gruelling games in the last seven days, while Stevie Lawless returned too.

With everything to do, Thistle looked the most lively in the early going. They forged forward, attempting to try and rectify the two-goal deficit. As promised by Brian Graham, Thistle “threw the kitchen sink” at Livi early on in search of a goal, getting a lot of joy down the right-hand side. On eleven minutes, a cross from Stevie Lawless found its way to Graham who was through on goal. His effort was stopped by Jérôme Prior, only for the offside flag to be raised anyway. There was then a spate of chances at both ends, with Lewis Smith eliciting a great save out of David Mitchell. Graham then had a good opportunity minutes later when Aidan Fitzpatrick found him on the edge of the box, but BG’s curled effort was blocked by Prior. Mitchell then required treatment after he is caught by a Livi striker as Mitchell came out to gather the ball as Chalmers tried to shepherd it towards him. With five minutes left in the half, disaster struck as Livingston took the lead. In a carbon copy of their opener on Tuesday, Livi once again cut Thistle open down the right hand side, with defender Jamie Brandon firing a shot from the right. Mitchell was able to get a hand to the shot, but it wasn’t enough to stop the ball going in the back of the net. Livingston nearly made it two almost immediately however Lewis Smith was well marshalled, with Thistle’s defence clearing the ball and ensuring they remained just a goal down at half time.

Livingston made two changes at the break. Jamie Brandon and striker Robbie Muirhead, both on eleven bookings and at risk of suspension for the play-off final, came off for Dan Finlayson and Andrew Shinnie, who tried to immediately make an impact, hauling himself to the floor in the hopes of a penalty which was waved off. On 53 minutes, Fitzpatrick rode forward with the ball. Graham on his right was screaming for the pass, but Fitzy went for glory himself, only for his effort to be blocked easily. Any glimmer of hope for the Jags fizzled out on 66 minutes when Stevie May spotted David Mitchell off his line and hit a half-volley over the keeper to make it 2-0 on the night, 4-0 on aggregate. Graham came close after winning a free-kick just outside the Livingston penalty area. It bent in well, but was an inch or two too high and went out for a goal kick. Livingston absorbed any pressure placed on them through the second half as Thistle failed to create any meaningful chances. Bannigan was then subbed off with moments to go, allowing Liam Dolan to come on for his first team debut less than a fortnight after his 16th birthday, having appeared as an unused substitute the last two games. Despite the insurmountable lead, the strong away support continued to sing and make noise throughout, giving their all in backing the team. It was just another example of the exceptional loyalty shown by the Jags faithful throughout the 24/25 season. There was no injury time as referee Kevin Clancy blew on the 90 minute mark to draw the curtain down on Thistle’s season. Livingston will now play Dundee or Ross County in the Scottish Premiership play-off final whilst Thistle will break for the summer as the club prepares for another year in the Championship in the 25/26 season.

Reaction

Partick Thistle interim co-manager Brian Graham (speaking to the BBC):

We didn't do enough in the first leg. I thought we were probably the better side [in the second leg]. When we were on top, we've got to score and we didn't do that, that's why we're out. The boys were a credit to the football club, the way they played. We were up for the job since day one. I knew stepping out that changing room, I couldn't go back to it so if I don't get the job, can I honestly be at the club? I don't know. There's a lot of questions need to be asked. I've loved my time at the football club. I don't know what the future holds.

Livingston manager David Martindale (speaking to the BBC):

Delighted we're through. Two clean sheets, four goals. We found a way in the first half. The second half was more of a dominant possession, we weren't under any real pressure in the second half.

advertisement

YOUNG LIAM DOLAN SETS NEW CLUB-RECORD

.